FACTS AND FANCIES IN FLY FISHING. '25'J 



that some of our standards are simply representations of the mackerel 

 tribe, prawns, and so on. Into any other curious theories than these I 

 hesitate to pursue this delicate subject. Who, however, can possibly 

 believe what we are told in another place, that Salmon take our flies for 

 sea weed ! Who can dream of supposing but no. The inquiry, as I 

 have said, is too delicate, and I will not bring other opinions forward. 



But where is the evidence in support of these statements'? How can 

 they be substantiated? I am bound to say that all such ideas are 

 entirely upset by my own experience in Salmon-fly fishing. Were it not 

 so, the whole of this book, the materials for which have taken a lifetime to 

 collect, falls to pieces. No particle of evidence is forthcoming to show 

 that those who are interested in fly problems need accept such 

 opinions. 



I need not dwell on the subject, though it forcibly recalls a Scotch 

 Gillie's definition of metaphysics : 



" It's joost this twa men arguing togither. He that's list'ning dis 

 na ken what he that's speaking means, and he that's speaking dis na ken 

 what he means his ain sel' that's metapheesics." 



But perhaps I should add that I applied to the Editor of the sporting 

 journal in question for permission to ventilate those opinions in these 

 pages. The prompt and sympathetic reception my proposal met with, 

 attested the interest my opinions had excited, and I recur to it now with 

 a pleasure which is enhanced by my more recent observations. 



I have a little to add and nothing to alter in the letter published in 

 the Field in 1892 under the title of Facts and Fancies in Fly Fishing. 

 My signature was appended, as I never write to the Press expressing 

 opinions on these matters under a nom de plume, nor without volunteering 

 explanations when it seems necessary. 



The letter runs on these lines : 



" In fishing, matters of fact are to the Angler's judgment the same thing as 

 food to the body. On the due digestion of facts depends the wisdom and success 

 of the one, just as vigour and health depend on the other. By common consent it 

 is agreed that in Trout fishing we have long since arrived at the plain truth about 

 nies, from which, at all events, we derive much practical benefit. That is to say, 

 we have satisfied ourselves that Trout take, or rather mistake, artificial flies for 

 living insects, and we work on certain principles accordingly. We have determined 



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